News

by Tim Crosby CARBONDALE, Ill. – With advances in AI often outstripping the capacity of existing hardware, a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is looking at ways to leverage the existing computing environment to keep up with demands for training AI models. Xiaopeng Jiang, assistant professor of computer science, center, along with doctoral students, […]

SPARTA, Ill. — The Sparta Police Department Drug Task Force held a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Marshall’s, and the Illinois State Police Tuesday.   The Drug Investigation lead to the arrests of the following individuals:   40-year-old Joshua L. Renner of Sparta – Unlawful Delivery of controlled substance/conspiracy.  

CHESTER – A REGULAR MEETING of the Chester School District Board of Education will be held on March 19, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Community High School Media Center located at 1901 Swanwick Street, Chester, IL.   Due to Wednesday evening’s plays, the meeting will be held in the Media Center off of

By Jeff Wilson CARBONDALE – The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois returns for a second trip through the state’s southernmost 17 counties. After an incredible inaugural year in 2024, excitement is building for this year’s events. Chancellor Austin Lane and other campus leaders will meet with students and educational partners throughout the region, and there

CHESTER – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has released its latest report of arrests. Michael J. Jaimet 42, Percy, arrested March 11, 2025, by Steeleville Police for criminal damage to property. Pre-trial release. Joshua A. Aubuchon 32, Sparta, arrested Match 11, 2025, by Sparta Police for aggravated domestic battery (2 counts), aggravated battery (2 counts)

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss plans to replace the bridge that carries Illinois 4/15 over the Kaskaskia River near Fayetteville in St. Clair County. The meeting will be held:   Wednesday, March 19 4-7 p.m. St. Liborius Parish Center 911 Sparta St., St. Libory   The project

CHESTER – The preliminary damage assessment of Randolph County, Illinois was completed this morning. Six homes, eight out buildings and numerous campers were either damaged or destroyed.   Randolph County Emergency Management is hoping to get the National Weather Service to do a storm damage survey soon to determine the exact cause of all the

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Music will host a recital featuring the works from Mongolia’s best composers at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the university’s Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall. Mikka Chinbaatar, a graduate student in collaborative piano, and musician Bayarbaatar Bavuudorj (below) are among the artists featured in